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The Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) is an academic faculty at Western University, located in London, Ontario, Canada. The faculty offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels focusing on the advancement of knowledge in media, communications, and information technologies.

History
FIMS was born from a merger between the MA in Journalism program and the Master in Library and information Science (MLIS) program. The MLIS program was established in 1966 with the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS), intended to help address a shortage of professionally trained librarians in Canada.

When Western's SLIS was established, it was housed in a temporary prefabricated structure located on an unpaved parking lot behind the football stadium. The doors opened for students in 1967, making 2017 the 100 year anniversary for a graduate library and information science program at Western.

After 15 years in the temporary building, the SLIS was moved to Elborn College, formerly the Teachers College.

The 1980s and 1990s saw a shift in the SLIS program to an increased emphasis on the "information" aspect of the program. This shift reflected changes to the profession driven by computers and communication technology. After 1985, rather than a Master's of Library Science, graduates from SLIS received a Master's in Library and Information Science.

In 1995 Dr. Tague-Sutcliffe proposed merging the MA in Journalism program and the Master in Library and Information Science programs in response to US trends of mergers and closures amongst library schools in combination with the threat of closure facing Western University's MA in Journalism program. The merger of the two programs was carried out in 1996 by a 10-person Joint Transition Committee with Catherine Ross as acting dean.

In 1997, FIMS created their first undergraduate program, a BA in Media, Information, and Technoculture (MIT) which focused on media and information studies. In the same year, Western's Graduate School of Journalism, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, and Faculty of Part-Time and Continuing Education merge to form the Faculty of Communication and Open Learning. In 1998, the Faculty of Communication and Open Learning was renamed the Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS). Following the merger and renaming, FIMS relocated to Middlesex College, which had been the home of the Journalism School.

In 2002, FIMS launched two new programs: The Master of Arts in Media Studies, and the Media Theory and Production Program, offered in conjunction with Fanshawe College. Two years later, FIMS introduced the Media and Public Interest Program, which combined elements of media studies with social justice studies.

With the steady expansion of the faculty, and undergraduate enrolment surpassing 700 students, FIMS moved from Middlesex College into the North Campus Building for more up to date facilities in 2006. The move was followed by the launch of the Masters of Arts in Popular Music and Culture in 2007, expanding the Media Studies offerings.

In 2011, FIMS partnered with the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western to offer master's and doctoral studies in the new Health Information Science program.

In 2016, FIMS celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Master's of Library and Information Science program. The year also marked another move, this time from the North Campus Building to the newly constructed FIMS and Nursing Building.

The first Tor anonymity network node at a Canadian library was established in March 2016 at FIMS, specifically at the FIMS Graduate Library (previously the Graduate Resource Center). In recognition of the library's contributions to digital privacy and freedom at FIMS, the Ontario Library Association awarded the FIMS Graduate Library with the Les Fowlie Intellectual Freedom Award at the 2017 OLA Superconference.

Media, Information, and Technoculture (MIT)
The largest of FIMS's programs, there are approximately 966 undergraduate students enrolled in the MIT program. Enrolment is limited to 250 students per year. The MIT program focuses on media theory, history, research and analysis.

The MIT program offers three and four year bachelor's degrees. Areas of concentration within MIT include: Media Theory and Production, Advertising and Promotional Culture, Popular Music and Society, News Reporting and Journalistic Practices, Cultural Industries, The Information Society, Media Identity and Diversity, The Political Economy of Media, and Virtual Worlds and Interactive Media.

Degree choices for the MIT program include: Honors Specialization in Media, Information and Technoculture (MIT) and Major in Media, Information and Technoculture (MIT). Students are also able to receive a joint degree from MIT and the Ivey School of Business (5 year program) or MIT and the Faculty of Law (6 year program).

Media & The Public Interest (MPI)
The MPI program offers a limited enrolment of 20 students per year, focusing curriculum on navigation and relationships within the political economy of communication, social movements, and global justice.

Media Theory and Production (MTP)
The four-year MTP program was a joint degree/diploma between the Faculty of Information and Media Studies and Fanshawe College. The MTP program, limited to 80 students per year, provided an education in media production and media theory. Specializations included: Interactive Media Design, Journalism – Broadcast, Broadcasting – Television, and Broadcasting – Radio. The program was discontinued in 2016.

Master of Art in Media Studies (MA MS)
The Master of Arts in Media Studies is an interdisciplinary program that intersects media, technology, and culture. The program is 5 terms (1.66 years) and admission requires a four-year undergraduate degree. Fields of students’ research include Media Cultures, Media Industries, and Media Technologies. Graduates often work in areas such as communications, consulting, and education.

PhD in Media Studies
The PhD in Media Studies is a 12-term program that focuses on media, technology, and culture. Approximately 6 students are admitted into the program each year. Students conduct advanced research on media topics such as media products, practices, and reception. The program provides three major areas of specialization, namely, Media Cultures, Media Industries, Media Technologies.

Master of Art in Popular Music & Culture (MA PMC)
The Master of Art in Popular Music & Culture is a joint program with the Faculty of Information & Media Studies and the Don Wright Faculty of Music. This degree focuses on critical media study, cultural theory, and music production. In their second year of study, students choose to work on one out of the following three options: Coursework with Thesis, Coursework with Creative Project, Coursework with Viva Voce Examination. Upon graduation, students often work in areas such as music production, education, and music journalism.

Master of Health Information Science (MHIS)
The Master of Health Information Science program is a 6 term (2 years) joint program with the Faculty of Information & Media Studies and the Faculty of Health Sciences. The program offers thesis and course based learning options with a focus on health care. Students acquire information regarding public health, health policy and clinical health care, knowledge organization and management, knowledge translation, patient and professional information seeking behavior, and information ethics and policy.

PhD in Health Information Science (PhD HIS)
The PhD in Health Information Science is a thesis-based joint degree with the Faculty of Information & Media Studies and the Faculty of Health Sciences. For 12 terms (4 years), students partake in their own independent research related to Health Information Science. Similarly to the Masters in Health Information Science, students are provided knowledge on public health, health policy and clinical health care, knowledge organization and management, knowledge translation, patient and professional information seeking behavior, and information ethics and policy.

Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS)
The 6 or 3 term Master of Library & Information Science program focuses on librarianship, providing students with knowledge on the theory and practice of library and information science. Students have the option of participating in a co-op program where they are placed in one or two paid jobs at a library or related workplace. The program is ALA-Accredited with “continued” status, meaning that MLIS continues to meet the ALA’s standards for library and science education.

PhD in Library & Information Science (PhD LIS)
The PhD in Library & Information Science is a 12-term program where students focus on research in the areas of Information & Society and Information Organization & Technologies. Current clusters that are researched include Information and Communication Technologies, Health Information and Policy, Marxist Political Economy of Information, Social Relations of Information Practices – Reading and Libraries, Theoretical Problems in Information Studies, Webometrics and Informetrics.

Master of Media in Journalism & Communication (MMJC)
The 1 year Master of Media in Journalism & Communication prepares students for careers in both journalism and communication. Students learn skills such as strategic thinking, social media, content creation, and media production. In their final term, students gain professional experience by completing an internship.

Certificates and Diplomas
Currently the Faculty of Information & Media Studies at Western University offers certificate and diploma programs in Digital Communications. The certificate/diploma in Digital Communications analyzes the environments of social media, the virtual world, and other emerging forms of online communication. Course content covers subjects such as digital content creation and the production of online communities.
 * Certificate in Digital Communication


 * Diploma in Digital Communication

Faculty Scholars
Created in 2005, the Faculty Scholars award is presented every two years to one member of each faculty at Western University. Recipients are nominated by faculty deans for their outstanding research or teaching successes. Winners who are chosen by the Faculty Selection committee receive $7000 to be used for scholarly work. FIMS recipients include: Lynne McKechnie (2007), Nick Dyer-Witheford (2010), Liwen Vaughan (2012), Nadine Wathen (2014), Edward Comor (2016).

Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching
The Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching is presented annually to faculty members in FIMS who have significantly contributed to the academic success of FIMS's students.

Spirit of Librarianship Award
The Spirt of Librarianship Award is presented biannually to a Master of Library and Information Science student who demonstrates “the spirit of librarianship”. To qualify, a student must exhibit “a steadfast presence, positive collegial support, administrative contribution, a willingness to help whenever a need arises, and an interest in fellow students”.

Fantastic FIMS Award
Dispensed by the MLISSC, The Fantastic FIMS Award is presented to a member of the Master of Library & Information Science faculty who exemplifies social support, positive administration, collaboration, and professional progression. Specifically, recipients display compassion and care for their students and faculty.

Western Awards for Excellence (Staff)
Known as the most prestigious award presented to staff members at Western University, the Western Award of Excellence recognizes an individual for their overall contributions to University life. Recipients are nominated by Western faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Winners from FIMS include: Cindy Morrison (2012), Wendie Crouch (2010), David Mills (2006).

FIMS & Nursing Building
The FIMS & Nursing Building (FNB) currently houses the faculty at the corner of Lambton Drive and Huron Dr. . Built in 2016, FNB is a shared building between the Faculty of Health sciences' Nursing Program and FIMS. Previously, FIMS was located in The North Campus Building (NCB) from 2004 to 2017.

The new FIMS & Nursing Building implements a number of progressive design features, such as co-ed bathroooms and deliberate use of large and numerous windows to flood the interior with natural light. The architecture combines modern and minimalistic design concepts with touches of gothic style that characterizes Western's signature look. The building's design pays "homage to Western's classic style" with the inclusion of several gargoyles from the old Western Service Building at various entrances and corridors of the FNB. Resources pertaining specifically to FIMS members within FNB include : classrooms, multi-media studios, computing labs, faculty and administrative offices, administrative spaces, and The FIMS Graduate Library.

FIMS Graduate Library
The FIMS Graduate library is located in room 3020 of the FNB. The library is for the use of graduate students, graduate alumni, faculty, and staff within FIMS.

Resources the library offers includes: electronic databases, non-circulating print items, printing services, digital cameras, e-readers, tablets, a makerspace, reservable meeting rooms, and a reading room

FIMS Undergraduate Student Council (FIMSSC)
The FIMS Undergraduate Student Council is a student-run organization that represents and advocates on behalf of students in FIMS. The council provides opportunities for students in FIMS to get involved with their faculty, classmates, and community.

OPENWIDE
OPENWIDE is an alternative publication that provides students in FIMS with a platform to express their opinions and develop journalistic skills. The publication is published online and in print.

Street Team
The Street Team is FIMSCC’s marketing organization that manages the advertising and promotions for information related to FIMS.

FIMS Soph Team
The FIMS Soph Team consists of 34 upper year students annually who support first year students in FIMS with transitioning to Western University. The team provides social and academic help.

Student Fund
The FIMS Undergraduate Student Fund (USF) is a financial resource to fund initiatives for students in FIMS. The resources come students in FIMS who have a $50.00 donation added to their tuition annually.

MLIS Student Council (MLISSC)
The MLIS Student Council represents students in the Master of Library & Information Science program with the mission to “enhance the educational experience and quality of life of the MLIS student body”. Executives are voted in each term.

MMJC Student Council (MMJCSC)
The MMJC Student Council is responsible for planning events and representing students from the Master of Media in Journalism & Communication program. The council’s mission is to create a positive University experience for MMJC students and to bridge communication between students, faculty, and staff.

Library & Information Science Doctoral Association (LISDA)
The Library & Information Science Doctoral Association exists to represent Library & Information Science doctoral students.

Graduate Health Information Science Student Association (GHISSA)
The Graduate Health Information Science Student Association represents graduate students from the Health Information Science program. Specifically, the association raises awareness regarding the needs in health information science, acts as a liaison between FIMS and the Faculty of Health Sciences, advocates on behalf of Health Information Science students, and organizes social events.

Notable Alumni

 * Caroline Cameron – Television sportscaster for Sportsnet
 * Michelle Dubé – Coanchor of CTV News Toronto
 * Mike Bickerton – Director and producer of So You Think You Can Dance Canada, The Real Housewives of Vancouver, Game of Homes
 * Andrew Gunadie (Gunnarolle) – Music and video producer
 * Katie Simpson – CBC News reporter
 * Phil Pallen – Brand strategist
 * Ruby Benson – Blogger and model